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Navigating the Chill: Essential Clothing for Winter White Water Rafting

Winter white water rafting in New Zealand is the adventure of a lifetime, and for those who come to Kaituna Cascades for rafting expeditions in Rotorua, there’s no better rainy day activity for Rotorua visitors. Certainly, just because the weather is chilly, doesn’t mean you have to miss out! However, you do have to wear the appropriate cold weather gear – especially if you’re rafting in the winter.

If you’re uncertain about what to wear rafting in cold weather, we at Kaituna Cascades recommend the following clothing for a winter expedition:

1. A Thermal Base Layer

Winter rafting requires a thermal base layer, including a high-quality thermal top and bottoms, as the very first item of clothing you should be wearing to your expedition. Winter activities always require several layers to retain warmth and keep you safe and comfortable, even if you get splashed with freezing water! Thermal layers wick moisture away from your skin, and have excellent insulative properties.

2. A Wetsuit

Depending on the temperature and water conditions at the time of your winter white water rafting trip, your final layers of clothing should begin with a wetsuit or a drysuit.

Most white water rafters wear a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit to remain warm in the cold water of rivers such as Kaituna, Wairoa and Rangitaiki.

3. A Lightweight Fleece Jacket

Next, you should wear a lightweight fleece jacket as another insulating layer to trap your body heat. This layer mustn’t be bulky or stuffy, but allow for the flexibility and movement needed to raft, as a wetsuit should be worn underneath!

4. Neoprene Booties

Keeping your feet warm as you raft is essential to maintaining a stable body temperature. Neoprene is the best material to lock in heat and retain flexibility of movement. It also provides rafters with good traction for their feet, as rafts can get fairly slippery!

Looking to embark on a winter white water rafting expedition for yourself? Contact Kaituna Cascades at your earliest opportunity! Our expeditions across Rotorua and beyond are famous for exciting rapids and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes. All are delivered by an experienced, qualified instructor that you can trust.

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We pride ourselves on being the safest company on the river, while having all the fun…We are audited by Adventure Mark and comply with the New Zealand Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities 2017. We are also endorsed by Qualmark NZ!

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THEIR TIME WITH US
This was a great couple bonding experience that took us both to the edge of our comfort zones. Could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the guiding team - yet making the whole experience one of such fun.
MY FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE IN NZ SO FAR. TOOK THE 9AM TOUR TODAY AND ALREADY CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK. THE RAFTING WAS SO MUCH FUN AND THE TOUR GUIDES ARE HILARIOUS. NEVER FELT IN ANY DANGER JUST ENJOYED THE RIDE! WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY. I WENT AS A SOLO TRAVELLER AND IT WAS STILL REALLY ENJOYABLE.
Brilliant! We had heaps of fun. Guides were friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended to all!

Fantastic outfit. The crew were cheeky as but super professional. We felt safe throughout the entire experience. 11/10 and a big shoutout to Rob for being a GC.
White water rafting at its best. Wonderful guides. A must do when in or around Rotorua. Felt safe, but had the best time.
Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the m san Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful!
The guide, Sam, went out of his way to make the trip as fun and exciting as possible. The whole team were friendly and inclusive.
Cole was a really good guide, talked us through everything and had a good laugh. The water was nice, not cold at all. They provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, life jackets and polo fleeces. Worth the money and would do it again. Recommend going in a group so that you can split the cost of photos.
Unbelievable experience rafting the 7m waterfall this morning! Even more fun when the boat flipped!! Highly recommend! Great fun and great instructors!! Shout out to Pete From the Irish girls.

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KAITUNA CASCADES
RAFTING COMPANY

Kaituna Cascades Rafting Company is the # 1 rafting company in Rotorua on TripAdvisor! We are the original Kaituna Rafting company & have been operating since 1991. Located in an awesome sunny riverside location, we are the Rotorua rafting specialists offering river rafting trips on the Kaituna River (Okere River), Wairoa River & the Rangitaiki River. For the best white water rafting in New Zealand, visit us in Okere Falls, Rotorua!
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